Well, I'm not one to admit things publicly...but here goes. I think I'm ready to date again. At least I think I am. It scares me to conjure up scenarios in my mind because I've been alone for so long, and most of the men I've dated over the past 15 years stayed around for quite some time so it isn't like I've dated a bunch...but it's time.

Here's the thing. I've not a club person (never have been) and I don't belong to a specific church group/home, and the things I DO belong to are all women things...so where does one begin?

I thought about making a sign that says, "will date for friendship" and standing on the side of the highway, but someone said they have laws against this...yes?

Suggestions? Maybe I should just wait until I get back from Ireland...yes?

Anybody got a brother who likes short, fluffy women and he has plenty of money and no mother or children or ex-wife?

Too strict? Okay, what about just no ex?

JJ - Bama Babe

Hi, JJ: It won't be long until you leave for Ireland. Perhaps, you might meet a good Irish chap there. A pub would be a good place to size them up (so I've been told).

Wow! I hadn't even thought of that...OMG...I'll be dragging my friend Nancy into every pub along the way now! Thanks for the tip Lola. I'm such a partial blonde that all I was thinking about was castles!

JJ

I got a cool brother JJ ! He's tall, handsome, 52, runs his own business (very successful), loves blues, beach walking, ...okey....now the truth...ha ha.
I got a brother...he's divorced (friendly divorce). Has his sons every other week(14 and 16, with terrible teenage issues.) It's true that he's tall, has blue eyes, a little pot belly, and salt and pepper hair. I think he's handsome...but I luv him.
It's also true that he has his own business...making enough for 2 vacations per year ( always one in Europe visiting his big sister, me). He has a home not far from the oceon, which is in dire need of a woman's hand in renovating.
Oddly enough he has a tough time finding the right one. Up to now he's been going out with women who don't want the hassles with his kids. He's very loyal, he's very very funny, and he loves to laugh as well. If he knew I was doing this he'd kill me...so this is our secret, okey?
Oh, he's a yankee! But he can do a good southern accent.

Hi, Hannelore: Secret?!! Secret?!!

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match"

Well, there you go, JJ. I'm loving this.

Lola, I just sang that outloud. Good thing nobody can hear me.

That was quick, Hannelore! I actually followed it up at home with "I saw so and so sitting in the tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G" Gosh, I've turned into a little girl again!

Meet you out back,Lola, and don't forget the jump ropes!

Can't play outside. I've got homework to do. Would like to see you post hearts for JJ and brother though (in the absence of a tree).

Hey! Hey! YOU TWO! Cut it out already! Remember me? LOL!

Now...ahem...let's get down to brass tacts. Does this brother of yours like short, fluffy women with a strange sense of humor? Does he like to read? Does he love to watch Gone with the Wind? Grits? The Mountains? I don't like the beach.

Better yet, does he Cook? Clean House? Wait...that was for a maid...

Ahh...nevermind. I've forgotten what kind of questions to ask even. I'm hopeless. Let's go jump some rope.

JJ, what's a fluffy woman? I'm thinking of fluff as in peanut-butter.
He loves women with a strange sense of humor...he can identify with them.
Yes, he likes Gone With The Wind...and he's hetro.
He loves the Harry Potter books...and he's hetro.
Yes he likes the mountains...he skiis
Yes he cooks and barbeques, and when he burns the meat, he scrapes the charcoal off for you, and covers the bad parts with bq sauce.
Clean house? hmmm , yeah let's jump rope.

He hetro? That's okay, I'm Church of Christ....

What?

JJ

Jawjaw
You go girl. Lots of ways to meet men outside of clubs. Keep letting everyone know what you want. Hannalore's brother is a great start.
I met Dennis on-line at Matchmaker.com. It was a stretch for me, but lots of fun, in a rather perverse and humorous way. Anyway, I met the first Mr. 90% Right for the first time in my over 50 years.
Have fun on the adventure of dating. Have a great time in those Irish pubs.
Anno

JJ,

If you come home with a Leprechaun you'd better watch your pot of gold...oh wait you don't have a pot of gold. Go for it!

I would wait to tour the pubs JJ, but now you have two reasons, the fabulous food served in nearly every one and also looking for an burly Irishman....

darn tootin'...I'm feeling a like these Irish eyes are smiling....hahahah...JJ

Let's see...

I have a handsome single brother ...47 ...and still lives at home with Mom. And unemployed. OK, scratch that one.

I have a husband... WHAT??!! OK, you're too good a friend to dump that one on you either.

Those are the only ones that come to mind. And frankly, dear Jawjaw, you ain't that desperate.

Amen sistah, no married men for me, thank you very much. I'll settle for Mr. Coffee before I'd take Mr. Married. Uh huh...sure nuff. And 47 is wayyyy too young for this broad. 47 and unemployed is wayyyy too unemployed for this broad
... teehee

JJ

Actually, I'd be happy to unmarry him, if I just could find the right woman for him. Like anyone who's still breathing. I've offered whatzzizzname on this forum before, and no one seems to want the guy. Can't imagine why, with all the nice stuff I've written.

meredith, you are too funny! Hey are we two the only ones on the board? How's the weather in California?

JawJaw, I've been talking about camping and you're going to Ireland?!?!? Geez, I am SO envious, you lucky gal you!!!!! Have a great time on the trip. You've just GOT to post a trip report after you get back. What cities will you visit? How long will you be gone? Should trip questions be in another post?

And keep your eyes out for hunky men, you never know when you might run into someone nice. At the airport, at a pub, anywhere.

It's a hard choice to decide you want to do the "couple thing" again. But when it's good, life seems complete, so I think it's worth the risk. It is a bit harder the older we get because, as you said, where do you go to meet people? Bars have never been my "thing." I'm involved in lots of outdoor activities, but the men I meet there all seem to have wives waiting at home. And like you said, that means they are OFF limits!!!

So - jump in and test the water. If you need a life jacket I've got a few extras. Wish I knew some nice single guys to introduce you to, they'd be very lucky. Keep us posted!

Whirlwind

Thank you kindly Whirlwind. It's funny because everybody who finds out I'm going to Ireland says the same thing, "Why? Are they out of blarney?" Now why would they say that? LOL!

I'm so excited I'm having trouble focusing on stuff. Except work of course...(Dotsie may be listening in)...

JJ

I have been laughing out loud since the very beginning of this post. Y'all are crazy.

I know this guy with black, slicked back hair. He's a great singer, swirls his hips around like there's no tomorrow and some say he's dead. But others think he's still alive. Ya interested jawjaw? I can tell you where he was last seen.

Go to this link for the real answer:

http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com/dead.nsf/pnames-nf/Presley+Elvis

So says you...

Now Dotsie everyone knows that Elvis is still alive and manages the Burger King on the Las Vegas Strip...

Hannelore, it's 90's daytime but a lovely 66 at 1:15am now How's the weather by you?

Oops, missed your post Meredith. In two days, I'll be here more often. Got my 7 month old grandchild here, and she is melting our hearts to putty.

Our August is like fall weather...crazy; but good golf weather.

JJ, I know you once said you'd never play golf again...but there are tons of single men on those courses, that just play golf because they haven't found the right women yet. You know how that saying goes...?

Do you play golf, or do you still have sex?

Golf, smolf JJ. Just go sit in the Country Club at a table near the windows and sip a mint julip and look gorgeous, queenly and available, let them come to you. No neded to tromp around the golf course. Too much work.

I say find a man closer to homne. The Emerald Isle is fine to visit, but I bet they don't know 'grits' from 'goose.'

The best place to find a man is right here in good old U.S. of A. You can find a ton of 'em at your local Home Depot. Lowes is a long shot. Most guys there are married, but Home Depot is full of single "helpful" males.

Just go in there close to closing time and look "confused". Guys with advice and "anything" else you might need will come out of the woodwork (literally).

An American male beats an Irish leprechaun any day.

smile

I met mine on the bus... he was my driver. I highly recommend bus drivers! They're definitely not like the stereotype!

I say a book store. They know how to read. My girlfriend used to go to Home Depot on Saturday morning, searching for men. Said they were usually home owners looking for stuff for their houses.

In all truth, I say that when you aren't looking, they come! They seem to like women who appear uninterested.

I agree with the book store. I'll also add food store to the list. A nice big smile to someone you're attracted to, and then a question about a book, or food.

Wouldn't it be funny if all us could venture out with the queen and help her find some good men to chat with?

Stop right there missy...discussing it online is one thing, but ganging up on me and following me around and pointing and saying, "Will he do?" or "Hey you, get over here, we want you to meet da Queen" nu huh...ain't gonna happen...Are we clear?

I'm getting scared now.....JJ

Oh, you should be scared! Does this mean that you'll be getting rid of your big girl panties and wearing thongs? You know, the new you, the sexy JJ?

Uh oh...what HAVE I done...geeish. JJ

Oh sure men read but has anyone ever noticed where all their cArs are parked, Barnes & Noble, parking lot empty...
DejaVue Adult Book Store, parking lot over flowing...Better stick to the food stores Queen...

Chatty how funny! LOL! I'm laughing out loud here!

JJ

OMGosh, LOL, this has to be one of the funniest threads
ever : )
Everyone above has smart ideas for when you get back, although I agree that
you might meet some great guys in Ireland. You might also try some online
dating sites just for friendship starters, as that has worked for many.
And strangely, some of my friends who work in hospitals say that its
another place to meet alot of older single men that are not patients (wink!)

Cindy

JJ

All I can say is he wants to court da Queen...he'd better be a Prince Chraming...no kissing toads for you!

Oh honey, I've not only kiss a bunch of toads, I married one. Can I say that? hahahah....just did.

JJ

You know the saying goes; "kiss a toad and he turns into a Prince." Low and behold JJ, be warned, I married what I thought was a Prince and the sucker turned into a big slimy toad, and not even a "horny toad" at that...geesh, talk about good for NOTHING!!!

Chatty, you crack me up.

Chatty....that was a hoot! My first chuckle of the day! HA!

JJ

Chatty,

You're probably better off that he wasn't! LOL

Hi JawJaw,

I just happened across your post and thought I've give you my two cents.

I met my sweetheart on a Internet dating site. I wasn't ready to date yet after divorce, but figured I could have an email buddy and if they were jerks I'd just block them.

I lived in upstate NY (where I've lived all my life) and I started talking to Terry, who lived in Florida, by email. Then, we went from email, to instant messaging, to talking on the phone for hours like a couple of teenagers.

To make a long story short, I'm now living in Florida!! No way, did I ever think that I would end up here. But, Terry is the most wonderful guy, so different than my ex and I feel that we got to know each other so well by doing so much talking and writing to each other first.

A lot of people are still leary of using a online dating service but as long as you use your head, I feel it's a very safe way to go. You can find out so much about the person, just by reading their profile. And yes, some are liars and kooks, but you can also met them in a club or bar. I was very cautious in the beginning and scrutinized every word he said. In fact, because I was so cautious, for a while he signed his name "the ax murderer".

I certainly didn't set my sites on moving 1300 miles to be with somebody - it's funny how life takes turns that you least expect. I've been with Terry for five years and have no regrets. We have chose not to marry but that is the preference for both of us.

The purpose of this "too long" message was to suggest not to rule out internet dating. Talking from experience, it does work for some people. Good luck.

Aha, anothe successful internet dating story. There are a few on here.

One way to look at is this: if the neat women on this site do internet dating and have been successful, then not everyone who tries interent dating is a kook. There have to be some good men taking the same appraoch as the neat women here.

AMEN Dotsie, we can only hope!!!

Hi, JJ: I met an Irish lady on the train back to London from Paris today and since my sisters and I were travelling stag, she asked whether we were aware of a festival taking place in Ireland from September to October. I googled it for you and here's the link. You might want to check it out. Not necessarily for the purposes it serves but as one event to include in your holiday diary.

www.matchmakerireland.com/festival.html

JJ, aren't you lucky? You've got some of the locals looking out for you. How cool is that?

Lola, on the train from Paris to London? Tell us more!

Hi, Dotsie: I'm posting about the weekend in the Travel forum so as not to cover this very exciting thread.

I followed the link and all I can say is that Nancy, my traveling buddy is going to laugh her butt off when she sees what's going on right where we are headed. This is too funny! I'm liable to come home engaged! Or at least with new blarney...Thanks for looking out for the Queen here, Lola!

JJ

Say JJ, is there any room for a stoweaway in your luggage??? That festival looks pretty promising to this single gal!

Don't it though? It looks like a smorgasborad...teehee...

Have fun in Eire, JJ. The period of your holiday coincides with many Irish festivals. If they have Riverdance on, you can go see that one as well, if you have not seen it in the States. Heck, you and Nancy can even go for the oyster shucking one in Galway! That was one I had the most fun with even if I could not take the Guinness. At any rate, keep those Irish eyes smiling. And if you have the southern drawl like Scarlet...what a combination!

Sugggggar, I soun jus lie k hur...but I am definitely Irish. I have the green eyes and red hair and ruddy complexion. They will think I am of their lot UNTIL they hear me utter, "Hey ya'll got any BBQ pork skins to go with this hot beer?"

JJ

JJ, you're nuts!

Lola, I loved Riverdance. We took the kids to see it and it was all I could do to stay in my seat. Great music and out of this world dancing!

The last show I went up to the Strip to see was Michael Flatleys Riberdance, it was at New York, New York. It was magnificient and I had goose bumps through the entire performance....Someone told me awhile back that Michael Flatley was dead, that he committed suicide. Does anyone know if theres any truth to that rumor, I hope not!!!

I have not heard about that one, Chatty. My sister said that as far as she knows, he was still up and about in July promoting his shows. Riverdance! Truly one heck of a show. Unlike other shows where one might find a weak performer against the others, this one was just perfect! Makes one pine for Ireland even if one were'nt Irish.

About Michael Flatley...
I just read this the other day on HELLOMAGAZINE.COM - "Irish eyes were smiling last weekend (10/16) as Michael Flatley said "I do". Thousands of well-wishers turned out to see the 49-year-old dancer and his beautiful bride Niamh O'Brien tie the knot at St Patrick's Church in Fermoy, County Cork."

Maybe some people equated marriage with suicide! LOL

Really, just my attempt at a joke.

klmr13, thanks so much for solving this mystery for me. I saw Riverdance and Micheal in person and was blown away. I am so happy to hear he is alive and well and got married. I hope he will be as happy as his wonderful dancers have made the world.

You're welcome...
Oh, Chatty...you are TOO lucky to have seen Michael in Riverdance! Wonderful!

I've seen bits and pieces of his performances on TV and was amazed to learn that in '98 he broke his own Guinness record to perform 35 taps per SECOND! How is that possible???

Hey Chatty,

I am going to visit your town during the holidays. We're leaving on 12/26, coming home on 1/2. It would be SO cool to meet you in person.

Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh....daisygirl! I wanna go, too! How cool that you get to visit VEGAS during the NEW YEAR celebrations AND the chance to meet Chatty! Does it get any better than this?